NCOs
NCOs
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There seems to be a growing trend in the Army of referring to good NCO's as "NCO's", and to poor ones as "Sergeant. For example, "oh he's not an NCO, he's just a Sergeant".
I absolutely HATE this new trend. The rank/title of Sergeant is a badge of honor, a title reserved for hundreds of years for those entrusted with the lives of our countries young men and women, training them, and making Soldiers out of them.
That we now use it as a derogatory term is shameful. To be called Sergeant is an honor. It is something to aspire to. To earn the right to be called Sergeant is a goal that all Soldiers should strive for.
If you want to call out a dirtbag, that's fine, feel free to call them a turd, a zebra, a dirt bag, a shammer, whatever you'd like. But to use Sergeant as a derogatory term is disgusting, and show's a lack of education concerning our military and our Corps' history.
NCOs
Sergeant
Edited 10 y ago
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 23
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I've been in the army for a little over 21 years. This isn't a new reference. I've heard it since my first duty station in 1993.
The reference of "he/she is not an NCO, He/She is a Sergeant". Makes reference to the fact that when they pinned on the stripes, they have not stepped up and acted like an NCO should. Therefore they are just a Sergeant. Similar to what is said in the movie series band of brothers. "Salute the rank not the person". The soldiers have no choice but to respect the rank of Sergeant, but do not have to respect the person wearing it if they haven't earned it.
I recently came back to a line unit from White House Communications, and in the time I've been here, I have noticed a lot of Sergeants, but not many NCOs. Allow me to give an example. The jr. Enlisted barracks is a complete and total wreck. Floors hadn't been maintained, kitchen area covered with a half inch of grease, 80% of the lights in common areas either had blown light bulbs or fixture didn't work at all, soldiers were losing their room keys and calling DPW on their own and having locks replaced with no accountability. This all boils down to their first line supervisors weren't checking on their health and welfare. It has taken myself along with 3 other SSGs over a month and a half to bring the barracks back to standard. That should show you there are soldiers that are assuming the rank of SGT, but not taking the responsibility of an NCO.
You shouldn't see it as degrading to the rank, because soldiers long before you and I even thought about military service earned the respect for the title. It should be thought in a way as in addition to the respect for the rank, they haven't earned their individual respect as an NCO, and living the standard. They want the pay and respect but not the responsibilities that go with it.
I'm not a very well spoken person but I hope this helps to clarify.
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SPC Dan Goforth
SSG Vann, I get you here. While I never quite fully memorized the NCO Creed, I've studied it a few times thinking my trip to the board was right around the corner, and I know what it says. Being a Non-Commissioned Officer is an honor, and I've seen too many people wearing stripes, meaning I have to address them by the title, but not carrying the responsibility.
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SSG (Join to see)
I wish we would refer to nco's by their full rank name, that would give seperarion of rank and I hate that everyone in the army is just a sergeant.
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I agree, to be called a SGT is an honor. A SGT is an NCO and the term should be used interchangeably. <div>Not so long ago it was, as others have said, we called them "zebras" or just E-5's. Hopefully this thread can be the start of some awareness for some.</div><div>Also I would like to think that the soldier recommended for promotion to SGT had potential at one time that was recognized by their NCO support channel and CoC. They need to dig down and tap that potential again and be proud of the rank that they wear.</div>
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I have not heard Sergeant used in this context ... nor should it be! The responsibility of a Sergeant is vitally important. If that NCO does not understand that responsibility then counseling is required until he gets on track or gets out.
If you're hearing it used in this context, the problem may not be with the person saying it derogatorily but with the Sergeant being spoken about. Rather than take offense, take the person aside and straighten them out.
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SFC Michael Hasbun
Unfortuneatly I've seen it typed here on RP as well... a SFC said it in another thread, which is what made me start the discussion. It's been bugging me for years, but seeing it stated here in a professional forum inspired me to discuss the matter.
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LTC (Join to see)
Hadn't seen it on here ... and you are certainly right to be bothered by it and make corrections about it.
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